Judging an Embassy by its Façade, Part II
A Starry Swiss Night

By Ellesse Sorbonne, Contributing Editor

Photo: (Monika Pamp/Embassy of Switzerland)

On September 23rd, guests teemed into a white tent abutting the Swiss Residence for the 8th annual Soirée Suisse. Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler and his wife, Ronit, welcomed their 750 visitors with music from a Swiss ensemble, charmingly traditional Swiss cuisine, and—of course—an assortment of imported Swiss wines.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador dedicated the event to celebrating Swiss-U.S. rapport: “The dedication of this event is first and foremost to express our thanks and appreciation for the great relations Switzerland has with the U.S. The theme of this year's Soirée Suisse is Swiss Design. With Switzerland's leadership in science, research and technology, we are working with American counterparts on innovative design solutions." The hosts truly overlooked no detail in presenting the theme. The tents were carpeted by Ruckstuhl and draped with fabrics by Création Baumann.The courtyard featured dramatic displays of avant-garde Vitra and Jasper Morrison furniture. Even the swimming pool was awash with a laser-light show.

Photo: (Monika Pamp/Embassy of Switzerland)

The evening’s grandeur could only be paled by the Swiss Residence, itself. Celebrated New York architect Steven Holl won a competition to design the Ambassador’s home in partnership with Swiss architect Justin Ruessli. The resulting structure has been hailed an architectural nonpareil. Every line in the three-level edifice seems to recall Switzerland. Its concrete and glass facades resonate with the black rock, ice, and snow so distinct to the Swiss Alps, and when viewed from above, its two wings form a precise Swiss cruciform. Caroline Baumann, Acting Director of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the event’s moderator, declared the residence, “a masterful example of architecture, combining private life and official reception spaces seamlessly.”

In addition to being applauded as one of Washington D.C.’s most handsome embassies, the Swiss Residence is also an award-winning green structure. The building’s south facades use passive solar energy, and it’s “sedum” green roof keeps the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Consequently, the residence requires 60% less energy than the average home.

The architect endearingly dubbed his design a little “Swiss island.” And like any island, its guests were markedly reluctant to leave.

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